Topical anesthetics: Using the power of suggestion with a powerful medicine

By Amy C. Wynia, CCLS, Child Life

Topical anesthetics are used extensively to reduce the discomfort of needle procedures. As in the use of many medications for pain, if the child perceives that it will work, the medicine will work better.

Children’s perceptions can come from their memory of past use of the medicine. If their perception of the experience was that it worked, they will begin to trust that it will work again in subsequent experiences. In addition, comments, words, and feelings expressed verbally or non-verbally by staff or parents can have a significant impact on the child’s perception of whether it will work.

We can have a positive impact on the whole experience for the child by using the power of suggestion to deepen the effectiveness of the anesthetic. Here is powerful language to help a powerful medicine work even better:

“When your skin is ready, we will begin.” Or, “When your skin is numb/sleepy, we will start.”

The word “when” implies that it will happen. It tells the child’s mind that the skin will get numb.

“Many kids have told me that they like how this medicine helps their skin get ready so that the poke doesn’t need to bother them.”

This sentence helps in two ways. It tells your patient the track record of the medicine. Kids will trust recommendations from other kids more than they will trust an adult. Also, you don’t promise that they won’t feel anything. Rather, you suggest that if they notice a sensation, the medicine will help so that the sensation doesn’t bother them.